Combined modality therapy in Stage IIIA non-small cell lung cancer: clarity or confusion despite the highest level of evidence?

Recent years have witnessed a number of clinical trials in Stage IIIA non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) comparing (A) induction chemotherapy (CHT) with induction CHT and radiotherapy (RT), each followed by surgery; (B) either induction CHT or induction RT-CHT, each followed by surgery, with definitive RT-CHT (no surgery). Due to the heterogeneity of patient, tumor and treatment characteristics across these trials, various meta-analyses (MAs) have been performed to define the optimal treatment approach in this setting for this clinical presentation. Six such MAs exist.

Importance of PET/CT scan use in planning radiation therapy for lymphoma.

Background: Radiation therapy is a key part of the combined modality treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), which can achieve locoregional control of disease. The 3D-conformal radiation oncology can be extended-field (EFRT), involved-field (IFRT) and involved node (INRT). New techniques have resulted in a smaller radiation field and lower dose for critical organs such as lung heart and breast.